Akpabio seeks stronger Nigeria-UK parliamentary ties

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has called for  stronger relationship between the parliaments of Nigeria and Britain, particularly in the area of legislation.

Akpabio made the remarks in Abuja on Wednesday when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Peter Vowles, paid him a courtesy visit.

The senate president acknowledged the long historic ties between the two countries and posited that the relationship should be sustained.

“The history of Nigeria will not be complete without the United Kingdom. For us in Nigeria, London is like a second home.

“This permeates into economic sphere and trade and we will like to deepen the relationship in the area of legislation because we have a lot to learn from you,” Akpabio said.

Akpabio said His Majesty, King Charles lll, was nice to President Bola Tinubu and his entourage during his recent state visit to the UK.

“The King was very nice to us. He recognises till today the importance of Nigeria not just in terms of population but the strategic importance of Nigeria to economic and security of the entire Africa.

“The ties between Nigeria and the UK must be sustained.

“Today, we have, once in a while, visits from the House of Commons to observe our proceedings.

“Our committees here too have had occasions to visit the British House of Lords and House of Commons. Whatever it is, we have a lot to learn from you,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria wants to deepen the relationship Nigeria would want to have exchange programmes that will expand the relationship between Nigerian Parliament as a whole and the United Kingdom.

Akpabio also solicited investment in the area of oil and mining.

“As you are here now, you will take the message back to investors in the UK that this is a country where even if you sell sand you will make profit.

“Anything you invest in Nigeria, you will go back with your profit. The investment climate has been made very easy.

Earlier, Vowles said the purpose of his visit was to extend warm regards to the leadership of  Nigeria’s parliament and to deepen UK and Nigeria relationship.

“The instruction from my government is to find a way to continue to deepen that relationship. We believe that we have made a very important stride together. We want to continue to drive that further together.

“We have a long standing relationship with the National Assembly, both Houses, we will continue to partner with you where you require UK support and partnership,” Vowles said.